A PENSIONER has been left with a broken shoulder after she was pushed to the ground and robbed in the street.

The victim, who is in her sixties, was making her way along Hoole Road, Chester, at about 8.30pm last Thursday when she was attacked by the lone male.

Police spokeswoman Jacqui Hanson said the woman had just reached the junction with Derby Place, Hoole, when she was pushed to the ground by the man who then stole her handbag.

He ran off down an alleyway which runs at the rear of the Bromfield public house heading towards Faulkner Street.

The handbag, which is made of navy blue leather with a shoulder strap, has not yet been found and police have asked any member of the public who comes across the bag to contact them.

The shocked and shaken woman, who was left collapsed in the road, was tended to by a passer-by and police also want to speak to this Good Samaritan.

Mrs Hanson said: 'She tended to the lady, but then left when other members of the public arrived, saying she had to catch a train.

'That lady may be a valuable witness and police would like to speak to her.

'If you recognise yourself, please make contact with the CID at Chester police station.'

The woman was taken to the Countess of Chester Hospital, where she was treated for a broken shoulder and later discharged.

She described the offender as a white male, about 5ft 10ins tall, in his early 20s and slim in build. He has short light brown or fair hair and was wearing casual clothing at the time of the incident.

'Police are appealing for anybody who may have seen anybody fitting that description, either loitering in the area prior to the offence taking place or who may have seen him as he made his escape down the alleyway at the rear of the Bromfield public house and into Faulkner Street following the offence,' said Mrs Hanson.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Chester CID on 01244 350222 or the free, confidential Crimestoppers hotline on 0800 555 111.